Protocatechuic acid inhibits aflatoxin production and modulates gene expression in Aspergillus flavus
1Department of Food Toxicology and Contaminant, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. eldesoukyt@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
Aflatoxins, particularly Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), produced by Aspergillus flavus and other species, pose significant health risks due to their carcinogenic properties. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of Protocatechuic Acid (PCA) on mycotoxigenic fungi and AFB1 production. PCA demonstrated significant dose-dependent antifungal activity against various Aspergillus species, with A. flavus showing inhibition zones ranging from 5.3 mm to 16.7 mm at concentrations of 50 µg/ml to 250 µg/ml, while A. ochraceus exhibited the highest sensitivity, with zones up to 23.6 mm. Additionally, PCA effectively reduced AFB1 production in liquid media, achieving up to 80.21% inhibition at 250 µg/ml, and decreased the mycelial weight of A. flavus by 60.8%. Gene expression analysis revealed that PCA significantly downregulated the expression of the AFB1 biosynthetic genes nor-1 (95% reduction) and omt-A (74% reduction), suggesting that PCA disrupts multiple stages of aflatoxin synthesis. Furthermore, PCA demonstrated efficacy in controlling AFB1 contamination in postharvest corn grains, with inhibition percentages of 44.8%, 55.7%, and 64.6% at 150, 200, and 250 µg/ml, respectively. These findings indicate PCA's potential as a natural antifungal agent, offering promising applications in food safety and postharvest management.
Insights
Protocatechuic Acid (PCA) effectively inhibits toxic aflatoxin production by fungi like Aspergillus flavus. This natural compound shows promise for improving food safety and protecting postharvest crops from contamination.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Mycology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Aflatoxins, particularly Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are carcinogenic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species.
- AFB1 contamination poses significant risks to human health and food security.
- Effective strategies are needed to control mycotoxigenic fungi and AFB1 production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic potential of Protocatechuic Acid (PCA).
- To evaluate PCA's efficacy against mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species and AFB1 production in vitro and in postharvest corn.
Main Methods:
- Antifungal activity was assessed using inhibition zone assays against Aspergillus species.
- AFB1 production was quantified in liquid media.
- Gene expression of AFB1 biosynthetic pathway genes (nor-1, omt-A) was analyzed using RT-qPCR.
- PCA's efficacy on postharvest corn grain was evaluated for AFB1 contamination control.
Main Results:
- PCA exhibited significant dose-dependent antifungal activity against Aspergillus species, including A. flavus and A. ochraceus.
- PCA markedly reduced AFB1 production in liquid culture by up to 80.21% and decreased A. flavus mycelial weight by 60.8%.
- PCA downregulated key AFB1 biosynthetic genes (nor-1 by 95%, omt-A by 74%) and effectively reduced AFB1 contamination in corn grains (up to 64.6%).
Conclusions:
- Protocatechuic Acid demonstrates potent antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic properties.
- PCA acts by downregulating crucial genes in the AFB1 biosynthetic pathway.
- PCA is a promising natural agent for enhancing food safety and managing postharvest aflatoxin contamination.
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